Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a significant health challenge in Malaysia, with recent data indicating a persistent high prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity, and related risk factors. The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) highlights alarming trends that underscore the need for enhanced preventive measures and safer, continuous care delivery.
According to the survey, diabetes affects approximately 15.6% of Malaysian adults, equivalent to nearly one in six individuals. This marks an increase from 11.2% reported in 2011. Notably, 5.9% of adults were unaware of their diabetic status, with the majority residing in the 18-39 age group. Among those diagnosed with diabetes, 56% did not achieve satisfactory blood glucose control.
Hypertension prevalence stands at 29.2%, a slight decline from 32.7% in 2011. Of those affected, 11.9% were unaware of their condition, mostly younger adults aged 18-39. Among known hypertensives, 91% were on medication, although only 48% maintained controlled blood pressure levels. The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia was recorded at 33.3%, which is a decrease from 35.1% in 2011, with 18.1% of adults unaware they had high cholesterol.
Overweight and obesity rates have escalated, with 54.4% of adults classified as overweight or obese in 2023, compared to 44.5% twelve years prior. Abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference, also increased to 54.5%, up from 45.4%. More than half a million Malaysians live with four major NCDs simultaneously—diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and overweight or obesity—posing significant cardiovascular risk.
The NHMS further revealed lifestyle factors contributing to these statistics. A third of adults were physically inactive, and half reported leading sedentary lives. Additionally, 40% of Malaysians did not participate in health screenings during the year preceding the survey, citing perceptions of good health, lack of symptoms, and time constraints as primary reasons.
Addressing NCDs requires continuous, coordinated healthcare across various settings, posing inherent safety risks due to the complexity of long-term management. These risks span prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and self-care, and may be exacerbated by challenges within healthcare systems and broader social determinants of health.
In line with global efforts recognized by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasis is being placed on enhancing the safety of NCD care across the continuum. The upcoming World Patient Safety Day, observed on Thursday, will focus on “Safe Care for NCDs” with the theme "Safe care for life," promoting strategies for patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, managers, and policymakers to reduce preventable harm.
Key messages for patients and caregivers include staying informed about risk factors, engaging actively in their care, practicing medication safety, maintaining accurate health records, and navigating care transitions carefully. Healthcare providers are urged to prioritize patient engagement, promote prevention, ensure early detection, prevent harm, coordinate care effectively, and foster continuous learning. Facility managers are encouraged to implement safety systems, uphold rigorous standards, support workforce training, and incorporate patient perspectives into governance. Policymakers are called to embed safety within NCD policies, enhance primary healthcare, secure sustainable financing, and involve people with lived experience in care design and delivery.
Dr. Milton Lum, a former president of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations and the Malaysian Medical Association, emphasizes that improving NCD care safety is a shared responsibility requiring multisectoral collaboration to mitigate avoidable risks and improve health outcomes for Malaysians living with these chronic conditions.